Queenstown-based tourism operator RealNZ has won the industry’s highest accolade, being named the Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Winner at the 2026 New Zealand Tourism Awards.
Hosted by Tourism Industry Aotearoa in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the organisation says the awards recognised the quality and variety of tourism experiences on offer throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
TIA says RealNZ offers a range of travel, cruises and excursions in Queenstown, Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Te Anau, Fiordland and Stewart Island / Rakiura – while also operating two skifields at Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone.
This is the second Supreme Award win for the company having previously won the award in 2024. The organisation also took home the Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence (Large Business) Award and was a finalist for the Tourism Talent Employer of Choice and KiwiRail Tourism Environment Awards.
TIA says in a statement that judges praised RealNZ for its passion, industry leadership and purpose, describing it as a conservation organisation fueled by tourism; unified in a clear purpose to make New Zealand a better place.
The judges noted RealNZ’s commitment to regeneration, alongside its outstanding recruitment and training programme and increased customer satisfaction, as making it worthy Supreme Award winners.
We also love delivering on our purpose, which is to help the word fall in love with conservation…
In accepting the award, RealNZ chief executive Dave Beeche said the Supreme Tourism Award win is a “deep honour” and “recognition of an incredible amount of hard work from the RealNZ team”.
“We love what we do, and we love delivering outstanding guest experiences day in and day out. We also love delivering on our purpose, which is to help the word fall in love with conservation. To have that recognised tonight is phenomenal,” said Beeche.
Tourism Awards: Supreme Winner, RealNZ. Photo by Brady Dyer / BradyDyer.com; TIA
The tourism association says the annual New Zealand Tourism Awards provide an opportunity for tourism businesses to showcase achievements across 12 categories, with the 48 finalists providing a benchmark of excellence and inspiration to the wider tourism industry. This year saw a record 177 entries received.
The judges were impressed by the exceptional quality of entries, with many commenting on the breadth of innovation, commitment to regenerative tourism, and their ability to offer visitors an authentic, real experience that embodies Aotearoa New Zealand.
TIA chief executive Rebecca Ingram says the awards are an opportunity to celebrate the people and businesses who make New Zealand’s tourism industry special.
“The entries this year were varied and strong. They show operators finding fresh ways to share New Zealand with visitors and doing it with care and a commitment to our environment.”
New Zealand Tourism Awards 2026 – winners
Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award: RealNZ
Tourism Talent Employer of Choice Award: Intrepid Travel New Zealand
NZME Visitor Experience Award: Ōpuke Thermal Pools & Spa
Avis Budget Group Community Engagement Award: Cycle Journeys
FareHarbor Tourism Collaboration Award: ChristchurchNZ
KiwiRail Tourism Environment Award: Okarito Kayaks
GO Rentals Innovation Award: Redwoods Treewalk & Glowworms
Toroa ā-uta, Toroa ā-tai Māori Tourism Award: Muirs Tours
Tourism Industry New Zealand Trust Tourism Excellence Award (Micro Business): Auckland Sea Kayaks
ServiceIQ Tourism Excellence Award (Small-Medium Business): Hamilton Gardens
Sudima Hotels Tourism Excellence Award (Large Business): RealNZ
Sir Jack Newman Outstanding Industry Leader Award: John Barrett
Tourism Industry Aotearoa Emerging Tourism Leader Award: Ocean Mead, Auckland Sea Kayaks
Auckland Airport Tourism Industry Champion Award: Lisa Li, China Travel Service (NZ)
Outstanding Industry Leader Award, John Barrett. Photo by Brady Dyer / BradyDyer.com; TIA. Main story image also by Brady Dyer.
